The Imo State Government has intervened to rescue Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, a widow from Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area, who was reportedly forced by her husband’s kinsmen to drink from the water used in bathing his corpse.

According to reports, the widow was accused of being responsible for her husband’s death and was coerced by her in-laws to undergo the degrading ritual to prove her innocence. The alarming incident drew the attention of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare after a women advocacy group raised an alert exposing the act.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as a barbaric and outdated widowhood practice that has no place in a modern society.

She said, “It is shocking that such an inhuman practice still exists in this day and age. Forcing a grieving widow to drink water used to bathe her husband’s corpse is cruel, degrading, and unacceptable.”

In response, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case, directing that those involved must face the full weight of the law.

According to the Ministry, Mrs. Ndubuisi was being detained alongside her late husband’s corpse before security agencies and local authorities intervened to rescue her and her children.

Commissioner Ugwu confirmed that some arrests have been made, noting that the widow and her children are now under government protection. “Normalcy has been restored, and a detailed investigation is underway,” she added.

The Commissioner further assured that the state government remains committed to protecting women’s rights and ending harmful traditional practices that violate human dignity.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for stronger enforcement of laws against inhuman cultural practices and greater advocacy to protect widows across the country.